Suárez breaks down in tears at Barcelona farewell

Dressed in a grey suit, and with his wife Sofía Balbi and children in attendence, Luis Suárez took less than half a minute to break down into tears during his Barcelona farewell press conference. The Uruguayan leaves Barça as the club’s third highest-ever goal scrorer with 198 goals after his move to Atlético Madrid was confirmed on Wednesday.

“It's very difficult for me. This is all unexpected, I have nothing prepared. I just have to thank the club for signing me,” said the 33-year-old as he tried to hold back the tears.

“They continued to trust in me. It was not easy to accept that. The coach, my teammates, everyone treated me wonderfully. I will always be grateful. Everyone knows the effort I made to fulfil a dream. I always said that this is the best club in the world.

“I am aware that a stage is ending. It has been many years and I take friends with me. That makes me happy, saying goodbye to the club's people and letting them see that a player is leaving, but also a human being who has feelings.

“My family knows everything I endured. My children saw me lift trophies and score goals. That they watched me next to the best player in history will remain in the memory. I have to thank the fans for everything.”

After Suarez’s tearful farewell speech came the questions from the press.

Full screen

Luis Suarez’s Barcelona farewell Q&A

Has everything gone better than you expected at your presentation?

Arriving and fulfilling the dream of playing for Barça is a dream come true. I never imagined reaching these numbers. At Barça you have to constantly be performing at your best and I am proud to have endured so much.

Did you imagine that your exit was going to be like this; is there anyone you feel has done things untowardly?

Now I have to feel proud. There are going to be people who want to agree and those who don't. Now what I have to do is change things up and be grateful to Barça for giving me unforgettable moments.

It's been a crazy month which is ending with two brothers (you and Messi) separating. Who was responsible for your separation?

I agree it was a crazy month. Many things have been said. Things have been made up; things have been leaked that are not true. Sometimes you are outraged by that, but you have to try to not get involved. When you arrive at Barcelona, they said be careful with Leo, the strikers ... And now it turns out that the striker is bad for Leo. We are aware that we try to do our best.

Do you think you still have something to give at Barça?

I’ve already thought that, but now that is in the past. Obviously I feel good enough to continue competing in LaLiga. I'm looking forward to it, more so after the injury, which leaves me with a bittersweet taste. I leave the way I’m leaving, as a competitor – with a new dream and desire to show that I can continue competing.

How would you like to be remembered by the fans?

With the feeling that I have lived up to expectations. Surpassing players like the ones I surpassed, I never imagined it. I am happy to leave a nice mark.

How, when and with whom did the option of signing for Atlético come up?

It sounds ironic but when Barça told me that they would no longer need me, there were many calls. I felt qualified to compete for two teams like Madrid and Atlético.

Have you ever imagined playing against Barça?

No. I still haven't digested that this is goodbye. I am looking forward because I am attracted to this new challenge. I already told someone that they know me and I also know them. It will be nice.

What do you think about the Barça attack that you leave behind now?

From what you see in training, it is like at the beginning of every year. There are many young players that contribute. I think there are more options to rotate than before. I think it will be a good year for Barça and that the youngsters will achieve important things.